Sore nipples are probably the most common
difficulty mothers have when breastfeeding. It is also known as cracked
nipples. It is characterized by tenderness and pain. It's normal to
feel some tenderness at the beginning of a feed during the first few
days of breastfeeding. But severe or lasting pain is not normal. Nipple
soreness is almost always a short-term problem, and can usually be
corrected in a matter of days.
Cause-
A very high risk period for having sore and cracked nipples is post
natal period. There could be many reasons like an improperly positioned
newborn or a baby with a very strong suck can result into sore nipples.
Sore nipples, over the times, can turn into cracked nipples.
If nipples feel painfully sore or the nipples or areola feel bruised,
it is more likely that it is related to an improper latch-on process or
ineffective sucking. Suspect a difficulty with baby's latch or sucking
if nipples become very red, raw, blistered, or cracked. A latch or
sucking difficulty or a structural variation in the baby's mouth might
result in nipples that look creased or blanched (turn white) at the end
of feedings.
Improper care or hygienic condition can also result in this troublesome
situation. Nipples, if remain dry is prime factor that contribute in
soreness and cracking. Any wound's ignorance can lead to such condition
that again requires major attention before it turns big.
Treatment-
The best treatment of sore nipples is prevention. The best prevention
is getting the baby to latch on properly from the first day. This can
be done by
A. Proper positioning and latching.
At first, it may be easiest for many mothers to use the cross
cradle hold to position the baby for latching on. Hold the baby in
right arm, pushing in the baby's bottom with the side of the forearm so
that hand turns palm upwards (towards the ceiling). This will help in
supporting his body more easily as the baby's weight is on your forearm
rather than wrist or hand. Holding the baby like this also will bring
the baby in from the correct direction so that he gets a good latch.
The hand will be palm up under the baby's face (not shoulder or under
his neck). The web between thumb and index finger should be behind the
nape of his neck (not behind his head). The baby will be almost
horizontal across the body, with his head slight tilted backward, and
should be turned so that his chest, belly and thighs are against mother
with a slight tilt upwards so the baby can look at her mother. Hold the
breast with left hand, with the thumb on top and the other fingers
underneath, fairly far back from the nipple and areola.
B. Limiting the amount of time of nursing on the
sore nipple, always starting with the side that is
not sore.
C. Use of bra pads, and changing them frequently
to keep nipples dry.
D. Breastfeeding frequently and regularly to avoid
nipple confusion and sore nipple.
E. Massage a little hand expressed milk into the
nipples after finishing the nursing, and letting them air dry.
F. One can also express a little milk before
breastfeeding to regularize the flow of milk.
G. Use of nipple protectors as long as nipples
don't heal.
Role of homoeopathy-
Homeopathy can successfully cure sore nipples. Treatment is given to the patient depending on the cause. The medicines act
safely without producing side-effects on either the mother or the baby.
Please E-mail dr_ramanand@rediffmail.com for any questions/treatment